WA flora finds new admirers

‘When I saw Australian plants for the first time, I was amazed and said ‘Oh my, I need a new degree!’,’ Ms Veraldo said.

‘They were so interesting and unlike anything I’d seen before.

‘So, already with a biology degree, I decided to go back and study something hands-on.’

As part of her studies, Ms Veraldo completed work experience at Kings Park, then became a trainee and has now been working as a horticulturalist in the park’s nursery for more than a year.

‘I love working with different plants, to propagate them and see them growing in the gardens and I also love working with such knowledgeable people who help me to build up my own skills and understanding,’ she said.

Ms Veraldo will combine her love of WA plants with her Portuguese speaking background when she conducts free guided tours in Portuguese during the 2014 Kings Park Festival.

‘Talking about flora to people who don’t speak English is a great opportunity to broaden the Kings Park audience,’ she said.

‘For visitors to be able to talk to the people who work here and find out things like how we propagate and where the plants come from adds something extra to this experience of a guided walk.’

Ms Veraldo’s walks will take place between 10.30am and 11.30am on Tuesday, September 23.